Welcome to theMedicaid Care Experience Simulation

A training experience using virtual reality to advance health equity through cultural competency.

The Medicaid Care Experience Simulation (MCarES) is funded by the Ohio Department of Medicaid and administered by the Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center. The views expressed in these virtual reality simulations are solely those of the creators and do not represent the views of the state of Ohio or federal Medicaid programs. The following virtual reality simulations contain content that some people may find triggering. If you believe that you will find the material triggering, you may choose not to participate, or you can withdraw at any time.

Section 4743.10: Medical Practitioner Conscience Clause

“A medical practitioner, health care institution, or health care payer has the freedom to decline to perform, participate in, or pay for any health care service which violates the practitioner's, institution's, or payer's conscience as informed by the moral, ethical, or religious beliefs or principles held by the practitioner, institution, or payer.”

Law signed on July 1, 2021 and made effective on September 30, 2021.

Health Disparities in Ohio

Ohio ranks in the bottom quartile of states for heart disease mortality, poor oral health, infant mortality, premature death, and drug overdose deaths.

These and other measures of health outcomes vary greatly by population within the state. Individuals with disabilities, those with lower incomes or less education, sexual or gender minorities, and/or those who live in rural or Appalachian counties, are more likely to face multiple barriers to health and worse health outcomes. Adversity, trauma, violence, and addiction are ongoing challenges that are significantly contributing to negative health outcomes in the state.

Research shows that only 20% of health outcomes are contributed to clinical care, and the rest are related to health behaviors, physical environment, and social and economic environments.*

* REFERENCE: Health Policy Institute of Ohio. (2021, April). 2021 Health Value Dashboard

Map showing Health Outcome Ranks for Counties in the State of Ohio

HEALTH OUTCOME RANKS for Counties in the State of Ohio: Top Quartile, Second Quartile, Third Quartile, and Bottom Quartile. Health outcome ranks are based on measures of length and quality of life.

SOURCE: University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. County Health Rankings Ohio State Report 2022.

The Trainings

These trainings are designed to improve patient-provider relationships, confront implicit biases, and delineate the relationship between various social determinants of health and health outcomes. Health care professionals will increase empathy and take away practical skills for working with patients from diverse backgrounds.

This training module consists of four series of virtual reality experiences. You may choose to learn about any one of the following:

Diabetes in Appalachia

Living with Addiction

Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults with Disabilities

Maternal, Infant, Child Health, and Intimate Partner Violence

Training I:

Diabetes in Appalachia

Lula Mae is a 72-year-old grandmother who has lived with type 2 diabetes for 22 years.

Total time:
70 minutes

Begin Training I

Training II:

Living with Addiction

Destiny is a 23-year-old pregnant woman attempting to overcome her struggle with addiction to opioids.

Total time:
65 minutes

Begin Training II

Training III:

Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults with Disabilities

Mr. Chen is a 80-year-old with type 2 diabetes, hearing disability, mobility disability, and potential cognitive disability.

Total time:
60 minutes

Begin Training III

Training IV:

Maternal, Infant, Child Health, and Intimate Partner Violence

Ana Luisa is a pregnant woman married to an abusive partner.

Total time:
60 minutes

Begin Training IV

This training is best viewed on a computer or tablet.

Please switch to a larger screen to have the best experience.